Return of the RMD – Required Minimum Distributions Return for 2010 and 2009 Deductions that You Can Still Take!

Tax Deductions and Required Minimum Distributions for 2009 and 2010 – Estate Planning Means Good Tax Planning

If you took advantage of the one year exception last year, you may not have taken a required minimum distribution from your IRA or 401(k). However, as our friend Doug MacGray reminds us in his news letter MacGray Matters, that the RMD is back.

Doug also notes that Haiti earthquake donations made this month can still be taken on your 2009 tax return.

First, the issue of required minimum distributions.

THE RMD is back: If you hold money in a traditional IRA, and you are older than 70 ½, then beginning this year (2010), you must once again withdraw your annual Required Minimum Distribution. Of course, when you make these withdraws, you are subject to tax (on traditional and not Roth IRAs).

The I.R.S. suspended the RMD rule in 2009 due to the large loses many taxpayers experienced. That was great for last year, but the RMD is back.

As your tax preparer will remind you, the RMD is determined by your age and the market value of your IRA. So if you’re 70 1/2 or above, contact your investment advisers soon to plan for this withdraw and the tax issue that will result in on your 2010 return.

Tax deductions still available for 2009:

Just as a reminder, President Obama recently signed into law an act which allows taxpayers to claim a charitable deduction for tax year 2009 for cash donations made for the relief of victims in areas affected by the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. These contributions must be made before March 1. Ask your adviser for more specifics about the eligible recipients.

Thanks to our friend Doug MacGray
Principal, Senior Vice President Financial Planning
300 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 670 | W. Conshohocken, PA 19428 | (610) 783-4265 (direct)

Hope that you had a great snow weekend and here’s to a safe return to work.
Be well.

David M. Frees III, Esquire
For an estate planning consultation or for advice concerning an estate or trust, call 610-933-8069. Mention OFFER DMFREES2010 for your free consultation.